MDDTSpeaks

Foster Care AlumniPublic Speaker🗣 Advocate & Activist, Policy Scholar, Mentor

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"Building Capacity To Engage Youth"

Welcome to a compelling episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, Season Three, Episode Eleven, where we delve into the heart of a critical topic: "Building Capacity to Engage Youth." 🎙️ In this thought-provoking discussion, we are joined once again by the remarkable Deanna Jones, known as Deanna J. Speaks. Deanna's professional titles encompass her role as a Foster Care Alumni, Speaker, Author, Consultant, and part-time DIY-er. 🌟 Deanna's life journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a former foster child and teen mother of two, she belongs to the extraordinary 3% of foster youth who defy the odds and graduate from college. 📚 However, Deanna's path was not without its challenges. Early on, she received disheartening messages from various sources that tried to silence her voice, casting her aside as a mere statistical failure. But Deanna refused to accept this narrative. She recognized the need for change and took charge of her life, becoming a staunch advocate for herself, ensuring her voice would be heard. From that point forward, she cultivated unwavering resilience, transforming setbacks into stepping stones towards success. 💪 Despite the hurdles that led her to leave high school and obtain her G.E.D., Deanna's determination propelled her to achieve her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from The Ohio State University. But her journey didn't stop there. She swiftly acquired her LSW (Licensed Social Worker) and dedicated over 11 years of her life to the foster care agency from which she had aged out, serving in various capacities. 🏛️ With a Master's in Public Policy and Administration, Deanna embarked on a journey of entrepreneurship. She opened multiple businesses, including a beauty store, and ventured into podcasting, all while expanding her career as a speaker and trainer, dedicating herself full-time to empowering others. 🗣️ In this captivating episode, we explore the essence of "Building Capacity to Engage Youth" with Deanna Jones. Her unique insights, experiences, and strategies highlight the significance of empowering and engaging with youth effectively. Deanna's story serves as a beacon of hope, emphasizing the importance of resilience, self-advocacy, and the limitless potential of youth engagement. 🌍 Join us for an enlightening conversation that underscores the crucial need to invest in and empower the next generation. Deanna Jones' journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the belief that every voice matters. 🔊 #ResilientVoicesAndBeyondPodcast #YouthEmpowerment #FosterCareAdvocate #ResilienceJourney #DeannaJSpeaks #Speaker #Author #ResilienceCoach #Consultant #EmpowerYouth #LifeSuccess #OvercomingAdversity #YouthEngagement #YouthLeadership #YouthDevelopment #YouthInclusion #YouthAdvocacy #CapacityBuilding #YouthVoice #YouthParticipation

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"It's okay to be vulnerable and be loved and compassionate."

Welcome to an insightful and compassionate episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, Season Three, Episode Ten, titled "It's okay to be vulnerable and be loved and compassionate." 🎙️ In this episode, we embark on an enlightening journey with two extraordinary advocates:Meet Kayla Powell, a Lived Experience Advocate and Consultant, who embodies the inspiring quote, "Don't become what you're trying to change."And say hello to Eltuan Dawson, an Independent contractor and JTS (Journey to Success) representative, focusing on youth and young adult mental health, community development, and engagement, living by the motto, “It’s okay to be vulnerable and be loved and compassionate.”Our conversation is driven by a profound goal: to explore how Journey to Success (JTS) advocates utilize new federal and state data to push for youth-informed policy changes that enhance outcomes for older youth in care. 📊 We begin by delving into the essence of the Journey to Success campaign, a policy advocacy movement founded on the belief that young people who have experienced foster care possess the best insights into their transition to successful adulthood and should lead the charge for federal policy reform. 🌟 The heart of this episode revolves around the groundbreaking report, "Fostering Youth Transitions 2023: State and National Data to Drive Foster Care Advocacy," published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. This report presents data collected from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, shedding light on the experiences of young people aged 14–21 in foster care. We uncover key findings and alarming gaps in the systems designed to support their journey to thriving adulthood. 🏛️ Our guests passionately highlight two critical policy action recommendations: the Chafee program and Extended Foster Care. We explore how lawmakers in Congress can effectuate change in these domains, bridging the gap in educational attainment, employment, and housing, especially for young people of color. 💼 Discover the Community Conversation Guide, a powerful tool enabling advocates to facilitate data-driven community discussions using the Fostering Youth Transitions 2023 report. These conversations empower young people to voice their needs and visions for a successful transition to adulthood. 🗣️ We delve into the importance of self-care in advocacy, sharing personal examples and strategies to maintain resilience. 🌱 Find out where you can access resources related to the Journey to Success campaign, including the Community Conversation Guide and the Foster Care Advocacy report. Learn how to access foster care data specific to your state. 📈 Join us for an inspiring conversation that emphasizes the power of youth-led advocacy, data-driven change, and the compassionate journey to making a positive impact on the lives of young people in foster care. 🔊🌍 #ResilientVoicesAndBeyondPodcast #YouthAdvocacy #FosterCarePolicy #DataDrivenChange #JourneyToSuccess #KaylaPowell #EltuanDawson #MentalHealthAdvocacy #SelfCare #YouthEmpowerment #FosterCareOutcomes #ChafeeProgram #ExtendedFosterCare #CommunityConversationGuide #AnnieECaseyFoundation

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"The true character of society is revealed in how it treat its children."

Welcome back to the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast for Season Three, Episode Nine, featuring the remarkable returning guest, Isabel Rodriguez! 🎙️ Isabel is not just a graduate of the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, she's a powerhouse of advocacy and change. Her journey since her last appearance on our podcast is nothing short of awe-inspiring. 🌟 Isabel is the author of "What If Our Letters Were Right," a Congressional Policy Report on Sibling Separation, a testament to her dedication to improving the lives of children in foster care. 📚 But what makes this episode particularly special is that just three days ago, Isabel aged out of foster care. Her perspective as a former foster youth intern with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute and an intern with the United States Senate gives her insights that are both unique and invaluable. 🏛️ Isabel's commitment to creating a better future for youth in care is exemplified through her authorship of co-legislation in the Senate aimed at protecting sibling relationships, a fundamental aspect of stability and support for many in the foster care system. 📜 Currently, Isabel is pursuing her Masters in Public Administration, a testament to her dedication to public service and her unwavering advocacy. 🎓 In this episode, titled "The true character of society is revealed in how it treats its children," quoting the wisdom of Nelson Mandela, we delve into Isabel's journey, her passionate advocacy for sibling relationships, and her unique insights into the foster care system. 🌍 Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that unveils the challenges and opportunities within the child welfare system, and explores the profound impact of supporting sibling connections. Isabel's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring power of advocating for change. 🎧 #ResilientVoicesAndBeyondPodcast #FosterCareAdvocacy #SiblingRelationships #YouthInCare #AdvocacyJourney #IsabelRodriguez

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"Invisible No More"

Welcome to Season Three, Episode Eight of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast! In this thought-provoking installment, we delve into the remarkable journey of Grace Yung Foster, the Founder & CEO of The Inclusion Initiative. Titled "Model Minority," this episode takes us on a profound exploration of Grace's life and mission. Grace's story is a testament to resilience and identity. Born in South Korea and orphaned at a tender age, she embarked on a challenging path, immigrating to the United States at five. Plunged into the foster care system, Grace eventually found her forever family among a diverse group of adopted and foster children, nurtured by white parents. But her story doesn't stop there. Grace's experiences as an immigrant, person of color in a predominantly white community, and a transracial adoptee shaped her journey towards self-acceptance. She spent over 25 years in pursuit of "white belonging," a quest that led to deep self-reflection and a transformative realization. Now, Grace proudly embraces her identity as an Asian American, a transracial adoptee, and a former foster youth. She's on a mission to create inclusion and equity for these communities through The Inclusion Initiative. This remarkable platform was born from Grace's own struggles in the professional world. Despite her hard work and excellence, she faced unique hurdles as a woman of color and a transracial adoptee. The opportunity gap she encountered kept her professionally behind her peers, affecting her wealth-building, family aspirations, and overall life goals. The Inclusion Initiative stands as a beacon of hope and support, specifically designed for transracial adoptees and former foster youth. Their mission is to bridge the professional opportunity gap that often plagues these communities due to the absence of established networks. In the upcoming launch of their platform, expect to find:

Professional Networking

Professional Mentorship

Career Advancement Opportunities

Powerful Media and Storytelling that sheds light on these communities' experiences

Did you know that there are over 1.2 million transracial adoptees in the US? Grace's story and The Inclusion Initiative's mission are vital in addressing the challenges faced by these communities. Tune in to this episode to discover more about Grace Yung Foster's inspiring journey and The Inclusion Initiative's quest to make a difference. Join us in amplifying resilient voices and fostering a more inclusive world. #ResilientVoicesAndBeyondPodcast #InclusionMatters #IdentityJourney #GraceYungFoster #TransracialAdoption #FosterYouth #DiversityandInclusion #InclusionInitiative #Empowerment #ProfessionalDevelopment #EquityMatters #CommunitySupport #Storytelling #OpportunityGap #AsianAmerican #PodcastEpisode #InclusiveLeadership #EmpowerCommunities #Resilience

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Go at it with joy in your heart!

On this espisode of Resilient Voices & Beyond we welcome the incredible Alexandria Ware to the mic! 🎉✨Alexandria, the visionary Founder of Culture Creations INC, the dynamic Co-Host of Diaries of Black Girls in Foster Care Podcast, and a remarkable Coach, graces us with her presence. Prepare to be inspired!In this captivating episode, Alexandria takes us on a journey through time, sharing profound moments from her life that shaped her into the unstoppable force she is today. 🌍💥Through her stories and insights, Alexandria unravels the layers of her multifaceted existence, shedding light on her roles as a trailblazer, advocate, and mentor. 🌟🎧Discover the secret behind Alexandria's unwavering resilience as she unveils the power of embracing joy in every step of life's adventure. 💪💖✨With a myriad of hashtags such as #Inspiration, #Empowerment, and #Resilience, this episode will leave you feeling uplifted, motivated, and ready to conquer the world! 🌱🚀Tune in now to witness the magic of Alexandria's journey and gain invaluable insights that will transform your own path! 🎧🔥#ResilientVoicesAndBeyond #PodcastEpisode #InspiringConversations #Trailblazers #Advocacy #Mentorship #Unstoppable #JoyfulLiving #Resilience #Empowerment #LifeJourney #Motivation #PodcastGuest #CultureCreationsINC #DiariesOfBlackGirlsInFosterCare #Coach #TransformYourLife #PowerfulInsights #DynamicConversations #AlexandriaWare .

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"I want to be the person I needed when I was younger"

Get ready for a sensational episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond podcast! 🎉 In this installment, we had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with the remarkable Britney Lee. As a Child Welfare Consultant with lived expertise, Britney is a powerful storyteller, a professional reformer, and a catalyst for change within stagnant systems. 💪🌟Join us as Britney takes us on a captivating journey through their experiences in foster care, highlighting the challenges they've faced and the lessons they've learned along the way. With their unwavering determination and passion for advocacy, Britney is reshaping the landscape of child welfare, one step at a time. 🔥Don't miss out on this incredible episode! Tune in now to gain valuable insights and be inspired by Britney's resilience and commitment to making a difference. 🎙️🎧 #ResilientVoicesAndBeyond #Podcast #ChildWelfare #Advocacy #Inspiration #LivedExpertise

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" Redefining Normal "

Get ready for an exhilarating episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond! 🎉 In Season 3, Episode 5, we had an absolute blast talking with Justin Black, one-half of the dynamic duo behind Redefining Normal Represent the Blacks. 💪 Justin, alongside Alexis, is a former foster youth from Detroit and Flint, Michigan. Today, they've risen above their circumstances and become authors, speakers, business owners, and proud members of the prestigious Forbes Next 1000 class of 2021. 📚🎙️ Together, Justin and Alexis have published the award-winning, bestselling book titled "Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness, and Love." This incredible work has touched the lives of over 25,000 individuals and families, leaving an indelible impact. With Redefining Normal, they've sparked a powerful movement, aiming to continue the conversation on healthy relationships, mental health, and healing. Through engaging speaking engagements, transformative trainings, and inspiring book clubs, they're paving the way for others to find strength, resilience, and a path to their own definition of "normal." Join us as we delve into Justin's extraordinary journey, exploring the challenges he's overcome, the wisdom he's gained, and the hope he's spreading to foster youth and beyond. 🌟 This episode is a testament to the incredible power of perseverance and the triumph of the human spirit. Don't miss out on this transformative conversation! Tune in now to be inspired, motivated, and ready to redefine your own version of normal. 🎧🔥 #ResilientVoicesAndBeyond #Podcast #RedefiningNormal #FosterYouth #Inspiration #MentalHealth #Healing

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Recognize no such thing as impossible- Napoleon Hill

Get ready for an electrifying episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond! 💥 In Season 3, Episode 4, we had the incredible honor of speaking with none other than Mr. Motivator Aka Jamole Callahan! 🎙️ With over 20 years of experience in various capacities within the child welfare system, Jamole has become a true force of inspiration and empowerment. As a foster care advocate, motivational speaker, trainer, and consultant, Jamole has dedicated his life to championing the rights and well-being of foster youth. 🌟 He's also a legislative advocate, tirelessly working to create positive change within child welfare systems. Join us on this thrilling journey as we delve into Jamole's fascinating story, uncovering the trials he's faced and the triumphs he's achieved along the way. 🚀 With his infectious energy and unwavering dedication, Jamole will ignite a fire within you, motivating you to push beyond limitations and make a lasting impact.Don't miss out on this electrifying conversation! Tune in now to be inspired, uplifted, and ready to conquer the world. 🔥🎧 #ResilientVoicesAndBeyond #Podcast #Motivation #ChildWelfareAdvocate #FosterCare #Inspiration

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“You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” - Dan Millman

Get ready for an incredible and insightful episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast! In Season 3 Episode 3, we had the honor of sitting down with Farah Jackson, a true trailblazer in the making. Farah is a Community Health Student and File Clerk for Wayne County in collaboration with the United States Prosecution Office, with a goal of pursuing her JD to make a real difference for the BIPOC community within the legal field.During our conversation, we dove deep into important topics such as mental health, building relationships, choosing between jobs and careers, and much more. Farah also shared her inspiring journey, from overcoming obstacles to pursuing her passions and paving the way for others to do the same.If you're looking for an episode that will leave you feeling empowered and motivated, this is the one! Tune in now to hear Farah's incredible story and gain valuable insights into navigating your own path to success. 🎙️ #ResilientVoicesAndBeyond #Podcast #CommunityHealth #LegalField #MentalHealth #Inspiration

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Victor Sims Podcast Interview

Get ready for an inspiring episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast! In Season 3, Episode 2, we had the incredible honor of sitting down with Vitor E. Sims, a true leader and advocate within the child welfare space. Victor is on a mission to reunify families and break the generational cycles of foster care, and he's making a real difference as a Senior Associate at the Annie E. Casey Foundation.With years of experience in various roles, from direct care to founding and leading his own organization, Victor has a wealth of knowledge and expertise to share. In this episode, he takes us on a journey through his remarkable career and shares his insights into the challenges facing foster youth and families today.Tune in now to hear Victor's powerful story and learn more about his groundbreaking work in the child welfare arena. You won't want to miss this one! #ResilientVoicesAndBeyond #Podcast #ChildWelfareAdvocacy #FosterCare #FamilyReunification #Inspiration

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“Our lives begin to end the moment we become silent about the things that matter” -MLK

Get ready to dive into an electrifying episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond as we kick off season 3 with an awe-inspiring guest, Gabriella Mallory! Gabriella's reputation precedes her as a trailblazing leader in the field of child welfare advocacy and policy, peer support, innovation, and social work. As a true visionary, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals through her remarkable work. In this episode, we'll get an exclusive peek into Gabriella's personal journey and delve into her unparalleled expertise. Don't miss out on this thrilling conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered!

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#justicefortyrenichols https://www.instagram.com/p/CoB53jNubRz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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